Rachel Flowers plays Montana with Zappa Plays Zappa - now with Improved Audio and Video!

It is our pleasure to present the only complete video of Rachel Flowers' performance of the Frank Zappa classic, Montana, with Dweezil Zappa and the Zappa Plays Zappa Band with the professionally recorded audio from the "Hearing is Believing" soundtrack.
Filmed and recorded live at the Brooklyn Bowl Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada April 25, 2015, we were able to utilize both fan video (and "mom" video), footage from the Brooklyn Bowl Vegas, and from the documentary film "Hearing is Believing" in creating the first complete video of this once in a lifetime event.
Filmed nearly 7 years ago for the documentary Hearing is Believing, this performance became not only a highlight of the film, but remains a highlight of Rachel's life. We are thrilled to have this complete video of the song married to the sound it deserves!
A special thank you to Lorenzo DeStefano and the Hearing is Believing crew, Dweezil Zappa and all the members of Zappa Plays Zappa, everyone at Brooklyn Bowl Vegas, and numerous others who were along to help, cheer, and make this a spectacular experience.
Yippee-Eye-O-Ty-Ay!

[@LunatechStudio]

Looks great, took me forever to mix that for the soundtrack!

[@tixximmi1]

Great job on your part. Amazing!!!

[@handmadehearts]

RESPECT! Wonderful playing...

[@LunatechStudio]

@@tixximmi1 I appreciate that 👍 that was a fun show!

[@LunatechStudio]

@@handmadehearts Indeed! Amazing talent. 👍

[@mrufino1]

Great mix!!

[@goodun2974]

I don't care how bad a day somebody might have had; if you're a Zappa fan, just one listen to this will make you smile and paint your day with sunshine!

[@christianugolini8493]

and even after listening to it a million times, it still has the same effect!! This song is funny, but it's also a musical masterpiece. 🤣

[@richardgrier8968]

Her guitar work was amazing! She really captured Zappa’s tone and style. But her singing! Holy crap she nailed it! I’m so blown away.

[@revyu6754]

Heck, yes!

[@willybones3890]

Once you've reformatted your brain to Zappa its impossible to go back to mundane drivel.☺🤪

[@EgoShredder]

@@richardgrier8968 Just to put this in even more amazing context, these two things are just a couple of extra additions to her main talent on piano and keys.

[@normanrowe2831]

Rachel is on a whole other level. She doesn’t play music, she channels it.

[@admincuth6859]

my reaction is exactly this. I'm quite affected by Rachel's performances. It's so obvious how much music means to her. Just wonderful. Thank you Rachel.

[@richawdon3856]

Very well put.

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was garbage

[@frankbreuer8849]

you're dead right!!! didn't think of it. That's it! you're spot on.

[@frankbreuer8849]

@@marlon-jl4ge perception is projection. laughing my ass off

[@auberginemachine567]

Rachel Flowers is a musical genius.

[@Love-First]

Thank you Rachel❣️ LOVE you and your music 💗🎶🥰🎶❣️

[@samhersir]

Totally agree!

[@richardgrier8968]

Shock and awe! Can’t believe she nailed the fast parts of the bridge.

[@dunc1959]

Agreed heard a play some ELP in the past very talented young lady

[@picksalot1]

Her joy at playing music is infectious. What a wonderful talent!

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

Dweezil keeping the legacy alive no matter what!

[@periurban]

The most amazing thing is that Rachel manages to get the full range of Franks slurs and messiness whilst using a flat (almost bass like) picking style. Her left and right hands are doing things that I've never seen anyone else do.

[@markhammer643]

Yep, she absolutely nails Frank's style and sensibility. If I close my eyes while she's playing, I can see Frank, shirtless, hair tied back, bobbing his head the way he would when he was having a fantastic time on the guitar. Kinda makes you think about how much is gained when you *don't* grow up thinking about music in terms of videos.

[@matseriksson8177]

She's doing it all "WRONG", and it sounds great! I wondered the other day, "Why doesn't she use a pick?". Then it struck me, I misplace and lose my picks all the time. Those thin, tiny things must be a pain to keep track of when you're blind. Django Reinhardt did some weird but cool stuff with just two fingers working in his left hand.

[@periurban]

@@markhammer643 So true. She has no visuals to go on, and so just uses her amazing gift to replicate Frank's style, any-which-way she can. Brilliant.

[@periurban]

@@matseriksson8177 The music will come out, however it has to!

[@RickTransit]

Yep, I find her right hand technique astonishing!

[@jantelliquawallace355]

Ten years ago I found an organ on the curb. Pushed it home on my skateboard. Drove my neighbors insane with it. Been watching organ videos ever since. Stumbled across flowers playing my favorite zappa song. The world is a small place full of wonder.

[@thefool2007]

Rachel is the absolute embodiment of music. It’s like music runs through her and she channels it. Love it when she smiles. Zappa music is complex and difficult and yet she moves right through it. Standing ovation. Band sounds stellar. FZ would be proud.

[@CadDrafting]

rip duke

[@michaelh.3555]

Wait, you saw her move? Where did that happen? Before or after the sing-along? Jerry Garcia was absolutely right about audience participation.

[@sledzeppelin]

She has obviously studied and totally internalized Frank's style. I'd SWEAR that was actually Frank playing. Amazing.

[@Paul_305]

She's having a blast. All musicians should be fortunate to find such joy in performing

[@big_fat_hen]

I can feel her joy when she smiles. Its wonderful.

[@kevinshea3991]

Rachel is such a gifted musician she is amazing on piano and keyboards but didn't know she was as talented on the the guitar she has kept Keith Emerson's spirit alive with her keyboards now with franks on guitar 🎸 truly a very special person

[@padrematthewchurch5775]

Ditto on the keyboards like Emerson and a base and a guitar and vocals true genus I've just

[@briane5706]

She is an astonishing flautist as well.

[@MichaelMattison]

I wonder if she can do a simple tune?

[@andomi]

I'm just killing time waiting for my daughter to be ready to go to the Macca show...then I've found this. This day can't get better.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

The way she plays guitar parts is impressive, at first. Then she sings that "impossible" vocal thing and suddenly I'm totally lost... WTF? 😨

[@jmarvosa6x3]

Wow she is shredding!

[@ezerlab1]

You are not alone.

[@DanielMoreira_18]

Damn the last voicing gave me chills

[@MrZimpoppel]

Not only do I love how Rachel channels Keith Emerson's music, but she does the same with Frank Zappa's ! She is so brilliant !

[@zzmmorgan]

The music just flows from her soul to her fingers........

[@quintbromley2112]

Frank is definitely smiling at this from above.

[@namcat53]

Above what?

[@minermike61]

@@namcat53 Above the smog. Frank lived in the greater Los Angeles area.

[@namcat53]

@@minermike61 Laurel Canyon.

[@minermike61]

@@namcat53 From another state, all there is, is a large dot that says LA. Outside of Cali, it's all LA.

[@grahamclews1571]

Four words come to mind... Frank would love this

[@evanjazzista]

Dweezil, who spent his childhood among the best musicians on the planet, looks really impressed here. Rachel is from Saturn and that's a fact, but I tell you, to impress that man is not an easy job. What a band this was... And the guy on the left really sounds like Frank, gee!!

[@namcat53]

It is a great band. Zappa?....pretty close.

[@Ron-g2k]

Miss Flowers is a treasure! I can't think of too many Prog Bands that she couldn't play with, And make them sound better! I love that Sir Dweezil made a special effort to get her onstage in Vegas!!! I never heard her sing before. I seem to remember Frank bringing a young lady violinist onstage once upon a time...... Marvelous Video!!!!!

[@thebreathalyzer]

I love that every time Dweezil comes in during the exchanges with Rachel, he references what she played. Definite hand-off happening and she did it sometimes too. You can feel the appreciation and attention to detail. (as opposed to the usual shred fest kind of stuff). The vocal break was ridiculous too. Too much fun!!! Wonderful performance.

[@uubuuh]

yes! and maybe a sort of king kong ref in there too 5:18

[@juanaboynkin1196]

At first she looked scared out of her mind that she might not be up to it. SHE KICKED ITS ASS! Amazing and awesome. My fave Frank groove.

[@frunobulax1960]

I work in a Blindscool in Germany. I love Rachel!! ...and Dweezil...and Frank 😍

[@ulyssesthirteen7031]

Having just watched the Keith Emmerson stuff, Rachel Flowers is now my favourite musician. Fantastic talent.

[@garyladbrook3636]

Brilliant Rachel! Frank would have been so proud.

[@The_Kirk_Lazarus]

That phrasing from Rachel's solo was just simply amazing. And then her vocal gymnastics made my jaw drop.

[@ReverbAndBeer]

The JOY that Rachel gets from performing is palpable and infectious!

[@dbc7772011]

I almost always tear up when I see her perform.

[@avantprog6902]

Wow, that fingerstyle she's doing is unorthodox. I guess that's just what came naturally. Amazing!

[@EgoShredder]

Those highest notes that Rachel sang, she had to shift technique really fast to achieve them, and then switch back again for the lower notes. All done FLAWLESSLY!

[@uubuuh]

I don't care if you think it's silly, folks

[@lilkujo]

A year later... Still makes a tear or two swell up 🥲 Rachel is the best! Even her lil giggle come thru and fit perfectly!

[@gregmullins6927]

That girl's on fire,what a player and so is Dweezil and his band.

[@that1monk]

there is still goodness and beauty in this world. thank you, rachel, for the inspiring reminder.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Her solo made me cry. I was hearing FZ like he was there! Amazing!

[@elizabethr.110]

Closed my eyes and it was like he was there. Absolutely stunning!!

[@FriesinNF]

What a talent! And she worked hardly! Wow! To be blind and play piano and guitar perfectly, i can not believe! Great honor to this woman!

[@handmadehearts]

Rachel is a joy to behold. WOW!! Her joy in music is palpable. Phenomenal!

[@xavierduraffourg499]

Rachel est simplement fantastique ! SHE IS A REAL GENIUS, dealing both with guitars and keaboards and great virtuosos such F.Z and keith Emerson. Her Moving to Montana solo is absolutly gorgeous and she is so humble like the real musicians. Just Great! Thousands of Thanks !

[@iggyfritz7150]

The more I see Miss Flowers perform the lower my jaw goes to the floor 🤤😂 I can't say this enough she has to be the most amazing musician I've ever seen in my life

[@DropAnchor1978]

What a great rendition. Vocals on point. Hats off to Dweezil for keeping the standards high and living up to them and beyond!

[@DropAnchor1978]

I was typing this prior to Rachel's absolutely killer solo! Kudos to you, Rachel!

[@jpetersgoyanks]

2:04 Dweezil subtly moves in to turn her volume up without upstaging her. Sweet and professional, all in one. She’s amazing!

[@thomascassidy2724]

Utterly incredible! This came on shuffle, I recognised the name Rachel Flowers when Dweezil mentioned it, and remembered I'd seen Rachel's remarkable Keith Emerson videos. I was so surprised to turn around and see her playing guitar! And wow, her style sounds more like Zappa than Dweezil does too. I am blown away! One of Zappa's greatest tracks too!

[@donaldwilliams9848]

I literally have to hold back tears of joy every time I watch this...

[@DoktorDamage]

Rachel is so OUTSTANDING !!! Such an amazing feel for great music !!!

[@rman52]

I still miss Frank. Such a huge part of my childhood. But this helps. He would have loved this fantastic rendition. I wish I had a fraction of Rachel's talent. And she is keeping my two favorites music alive. Frank and Keith. Rachel forever.

[@elizabethr.110]

same here ✌

[@rman52]

@@elizabethr.110 ✌️2 U 2.

[@mauricedorreboom5388]

I loved it how her faced from highly concentrated to enjoying herself immensely and then back to concentrated again. Like there was this mentalwar "This is awesome, CON-CEN-TRATE, ... but this is awesome!"

[@ronwilliams6565]

She's unbeleivable! Let's just say Frank would be proud of such an awesome performance!"

[@richardgleichmann7671]

This blows me away... 😳🎶🎶🎶 It's more than enough to see her play Kieth Emerson's work.. But ZAPPA too..???!!! This is just TOO MUCH fun...❣❣👍 What sheer DELIGHT..❤❤

[@edwebb6063]

OMG! I am so glad I clicked on this video today!

[@kskisser]

OMG! She PLUCKS the strings like a bass! I am so impressed with this young lady! She plays keys like a total pro as well!

[@robbienewporter9281]

Being a gigantic Zappa fan from the mid 60's. Rachel nails Frank's solo really great Zappa would be very proud.

[@beachcomber4141]

That was just fantastic!!! I am just learning about her!! I had no idea she played guitar as well! Good Lord!!

[@samlynes7015]

pitch perfect... next she'll be blazing away on a drum set. How she plays keyboards as well as she does, and now plays guitar this well, and sings in perfect tune... is truly amazing...

[@tonywtyt]

Rachel is just so amazing! She's like a sponge and soaks up the music. One of the most amazing performances I've seen!

[@neilhamer8725]

Wowzer. How come I have seen this before? Utterly outstanding clap!!!!!!

[@lilkujo]

Gosh, everytime I come back and watch this her solo brings tears to my eyes. Her channel is so pure and clear that it's as if Frank and herself share hands for a beautiful moment in time. As if the universe constructed this moment to give Frank a chance to play Live again with his Son and vice-versa through the wonderful medium that is Rachel. Thank you for all the people involved for bringing us a wonderful moment of musical history.

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Hearing such an amazing talent as Rachel playing (and singing!) Franks music is a joy. Thank you, Rachel. Whether it's Zappa, ELP or Boston music you clearly do rock, lady!!!

[@michaelritchie5303]

She SOUNDS like Zappa playing guitar. Just killed it!👍

[@tylerm858]

Mr. Trumpet man sounds straight out of a commercial lol I love this so much. Dear GOD that DUET gave me goosebumps

[@flytothesunmusic]

So phenomenal!!!! OMG! Thank you Rachel, Dweezil, and band for a truly magical performance!

[@jamesalles139]

Rachel on Guitar! And vocals So much fun, thank you!

[@deanevangelista6359]

And I thought she was just an amazing keyboardist.

[@SuperBillybob53]

OMG, balling like a baby. Miss Zappa so much to here this really hits me in a spot where it hurts. So sad to have lost him. Such a incredible Musician. He has to be the greatest Rock musician of all time. He has to be. All his musical accomplishments are there to prove that. So, I would say underrated. Miss understood for sure. Those last years with Napoleon and Duke were off the chart talent. Those live show were amazing. So a big fan and really miss being able to see him live and in person.

[@trevorcarlisle5447]

This is the best interpretation to Franks soloing i've seen since the man himself

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

Rachel got her yippee yi yo ti yay on!!! Uncle Frank would be so very proud.

[@robertl6591]

Rachel is so special. Her keyboard playing is phenomenal, she is certainly the heir to Emerson's legacy.

[@chrisambrose8838]

Rachel and Zappa! As good as it gets! ❤️👍🙋‍♂️🖖🏻

[@raylarkin5004]

I have long admire Jennifer as a master keyboard artist performing Keith Emerson among the many she performs and hearing her performing Zappa on that SG is absolute virtuoso class!

[@eddyvideostar]

Hello Ray Larkin: How are you doing? Are you in NY?

[@ronbusa3735]

Im speechless of how much emotion this music made me feel

[@joer3481]

Another definition for music...Rachel Flowers 🌹

[@bukeksiansu2112]

I never watch guitar picking technique like you play in my whole life. You amazing Rachel.

[@Trainwreck469]

Subtitled "Dweezil meets his match" Awesome Job Rachel!

[@LWilliamsYoutube]

Rachael is monstrously talented. I had no idea she was a guitar shredder as well as a keyboardist. Respect!

[@marvymarier8988]

Damn , she's good !

[@domgould5113]

First time ive ever heard of,or heard this lady..Im gobsmacked...why have i never heard of her before??

[@davidbentley145]

Excellent musicianship ...I hope Rachel is enjoying the success she so deserves

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

Is there no end to this girl's talent ...amazing!

[@Matty88K]

Her technique is different, but somehow Rachel is able to really capture Frank's sound, feel, phrasing, and tone!?!! Then shefollows up with that notoriously challenging vocal. She's a mind boggling instrumentalist and performer. Such a joy to hear this. Viva Zappa!!

[@bmuhamad]

I do remember seeing 200 Motels in Hollywood in the early '70's...

[@frankbreuer8849]

so good to see that people very different to Frank are real, authentic and so enjoyable ... bless you Rachel and the whole band

[@domogeodesico]

Flowers to Rachel...she's music!

[@Mrgoofyoops]

This just showed up in my feed, and WOW! She is an inspiration! Fantastically talented!

[@johnmanning4339]

Holy mackerel, that young lady can absolutely shred on the guitar !

[@urielsmachine997]

Incredible performance on guitar and vocals Rachel, I am impressed!

[@jlimarick]

That was just unbelievable! Rachel Flowers totally channels the master but puts her own unique touch to it. And good old fashioned jazz scat on top of it all. Out-STANDING!

[@spunkthecombo]

Wow! Rachel is totally amazing! Made me weep with joy!

[@timtwotone3561]

I am a (very) old Zappa fan, and I know that song by heart, but that was wonderful! Thank you very much 🙏

[@davescardcreations]

Frank would be in tears (as I am) to see/hear Rachel pay such an amazing tribute. Yippee Yi-o Ty-yay

[@edklingon]

Rahcel Flowers is f***ing awesome, a true musical genius!

[@anklamer]

Classy! Exceptional, extraordinary, great job, Rachel. So much fun to watch.

[@RachelFlowersMusic]

@@anklamer thank you. That was an exciting experience!!! (smile)

[@alessandrorossini8704]

Dweezil is just delighted.

[@johntash5895]

Well, I'm floored, I already enjoyed Ms. Flowers piano playing. She is an accomplished fusion guitarist as well. Beautiful collaboration with this ensemble.

[@Ogsonofgroo]

Holy hell I am so glad I found this, one of the best renditions (cover??) of a brilliant Frank look-at-life song, Rachel Flowers is brilliant and sweet I think and Dweezil and the band did both great justice, such a great crowd, such fine energy, so jelly :D New fan and sub RF, such a pleasure to listen to.

[@larryscott3982]

Thanks YT suggestions, my new binge watch. Keyboard, then flute, then this… yeah I’m hooked.

[@MRod1079]

Outstanding version with Rachel!

[@Unborn-Lives-Matter]

I can't get enough of this video. Wonderful.

[@peterdawes1868]

Wicked cool. Thank you so much for posting this. I was in my early teen's when I heard this tune for the first time. I am now 63 and I own, and often play, every album FZ produced. Can't wait until the "Dweez" brings his band back to Australia for us to enjoy again.

[@frankhunt5018]

I could watch her and Dweezil jam for hours, awesome stuff.

[@entubadao]

Rachel destroys that solo ! I have in my YT a category saved only for videos with her . She's amazing ! And when she giggles... She fills the room with light. (Such a complex song...)

[@ianmorrison554]

That was great - Dweezil and Rachel - so much talent ❤

[@jameshagen9939]

Dweezil , seen him 2016 , at a Local Theatre, Class Act guy, Had a Shut up n Play your Guitar Shirt from Holloween 81, Told Him about the Trip to NYC. He sighned for me , He Was Amazed .

[@jameshagen9939]

Wish He would stop back in town for another venue. Great Show!

[@teedub127]

It just doesn't get any better than this, my 2 current favorite musicians playing songs from my #1 favorite musician/composer. Thanks to Rachel, Dweezil and the Zappa plays Zappa band for keeping Franks memory and songs alive!

[@davidfsnyder]

Great job, Rachel. Your solo and your singing just really got the feel perfect!

[@worldprog]

Amazing Rachel and Dweezil! Frank would be so very proud!

[@richsweeney8654]

One of the most amazing pieces of music I've seen.